Written off as also-rans for most of the season, Sliema Wanderers saved their best for last after overcoming Balzan 5-4 on penalties to capture the FA Trophy for a record-extending 21st time.
Their success on Saturday sealed an amazing turnaround for the Blues who struggled for consistency during their league campaign only to click into gear in the final stages of the season under the guidance of Italian coach Alfonso Greco.
Keith Perry, the Sliema Wanderers president, was overjoyed by his team’s FA Trophy win.
“No-one really gave us a chance of winning the FA Trophy,” Perry told Times of Malta.
“Everybody said that the other teams were better than us but we didn’t allow that to dampen our morale. We focused on ourselves and our efforts have been rewarded.
“I want to thank my fellow committee members, the players, technical staff and our supporters for this success. I’m also hugely indebted to my wife and children because without their support, I wouldn’t be here.”
On Saturday, the Blues demonstrated character, fighting spirit and tactical discipline to nullify Balzan’s attacking threat, even after Njongo Priso was dismissed eight minutes from the end of normal time.
The additional 30 minutes maintained the status quo as the well-drilled Blues, with Stefano Bianciardi and Clifford Gatt Baldacchino imperious at the back, withstood Balzan’s tame pressure before expertly converting their five penalties to secure the KO.
While Greco’s return to the Sliema bench triggered their revival, Perry said their success was down to a combination of several factors. He also paid tribute to former coach Stephen Azzopardi, who is doing a brilliant job as Sliema Wanderers technical director.
“There were a number of factors,” Perry said of Sliema’s rejuvenation.
“The changes we made during the January transfer window gave us a boost as the new players settled immediately.
“The fact that Greco was familiar with our club and knew most of the players was also important.
“I also want to thank Stephen Azzopardi because he has also played a part in this achievement.”
The winners of the Knock-Out competition earn a spot in the Europa League but Sliema Wanderers will not experience European football next season after pulling the plug on their application for a UEFA licence at the last minute.
This decision returned to haunt the Sliema committee after Saturday’s win but Perry insisted that the pride and satisfaction at lifting the FA Trophy outweigh the disappointment of missing out on European football.
“Not being able to play in the Europa League despite our FA Trophy win is disappointing, especially from a financial point-of-view,” Perry said.
“But for a glorious club like Sliema, titles are more important.
“Notwithstanding the difficulties we have faced this season, our club has won the second most important honour in Maltese football.”
Saturday’s triumph went some way towards vindicating Perry’s work as the young president has spent the last five years striving to ease the club’s financial difficulties while trying to maintain a competitive squad.
“I’m considering my position,” Perry replied when asked about his future.
“I’ve been part of the Sliema committee for the past seven years, the last five as president.
“This success has naturally given me fresh motivation but I will sit down with my family in the coming days to discuss my situation.
“For sure, the club needs more financial backing to keep moving forward.”
‘Extraordinary’
Italian coach Greco, the architect of Sliema’s cup-clinching victory, was lost for words after Saturday’s final.
“This is extraordinary, the players gave everything on the pitch,” Greco said.
“They played from the heart… I’m truly speechless.”
When Priso was given his marching orders by referee Marco Borg for excessive protests, Sliema’s hopes looked as good as over but they showed resilience in the face of adversity.
“We had to suffer a lot but Balzan were less dangerous when we were down to 10 men because they resorted to long balls and we closed well at the back,” the Sliema coach said.
For all the talk about Sliema defying the odds to win the FA Trophy, Greco was not surprised by their feat.
“I inherited a good squad,” Greco said. “The situation was not as bad as it appeared because the players were good and, as I said in the pre-match news conference, they were eager to work hard and follow my instructions.”
Greco has clearly succeeded in shoring up Sliema’s erstwhile porous defence with their solidity at the back proving crucial to their cup triumph.
“We have worked a lot on our defence because the team was conceding many goals,” Greco said.
“The fact that we kept two clean sheets in the last two games shows that the team has improved its defending.”
In many ways, Sliema’s transformation from no-hopers to FA Trophy winners mirrors that of their coach as Greco was a shattered man last season after failing to keep Żebbuġ Rangers in the Premier League but bounced back in style.
Asked if he wanted to dedicate this success to anyone in particular, Greco, an unassuming and softly-spoken guy, needed a few seconds to reflect before replying: “To be honest, I want to dedicate this win to myself because I’ve done a lot of sacrifices to achieve it.
“Of course, I’m very happy for my squad, the club, my technical staff and the fans.”
As for his future, Greco said nothing has been decided yet but he is due to meet the Sliema president this week.